Empty Nester for Dummies

Hey there! So, "empty nester" is a phrase that describes a stage in life when parents' kids have grown up and moved out of the family home. It's called "empty nester" because the kids have left, leaving the home feeling empty. This happens when parents experience a mix of emotions, such as pride in seeing their children become independent adults, but also a sense of loss and longing for the days when the home was full of noise and activity. It's like the nest, which once held the baby birds, is now empty, and the parents are left to navigate life without their little ones around. So, when someone refers to themselves as an "empty nester," it means they are in this stage of life.

So, imagine a nest high up in a tree, full of baby birds chirping and hopping around, and then one by one, they grow up and fly away, leaving the nest quiet and still. That's kind of how it is for parents when their children grow up and leave home. It's a big change, and it can take some getting used to. But it's also a time for parents to focus on themselves and their own interests, and to enjoy the freedom that comes with having an empty nest. Does that make sense to you? Let me know if you have any questions!